The authority says that because Twyford ended his call before takeoff, it did not pose a significant risk to the flight.

Twyford had earlier stepped down from his role overseeing aviation safety after making what he says was a minute-long call to a staffer in May after boarding a plane in Wellington that was bound for Auckland.

The breach was brought to light by an opposition lawmaker.

Twyford says he wants to reiterate his "unreserved apology" for his mistake.

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